International Festival for Folklore and Modern Dance Groups, Choirs and Orchestras “Tsar Samoil” 05-09 Oct 2017

Festival Purpose

The organizer of this festival is the Cultural Art Society “Braid”. Nurturing folklore and tradition is the main goal of the organizer of this festival. The participants will have the opportunity to visit and see the charming Ohrid and the ancient Lake Ohrid. They will be able to meet new people and learn about different traditions and nationalities.
The aim is to nurture cultural diversity and experience the uniqueness of this special place, a meeting point for dancers and performers who can show their national colors, dancing styles and artistic talents.

Ohrid City of Light

Enjoy the beauties of our wonderful city where you can find rich history and exiting modern life.

The immortal city of Ohrid is the sublime lakeside point that for many represents the culmination of the Macedonian experience, a kingdom of light and water, a repository of ancient ruins from Macedonia’s earlier kingdoms.

In Ohrid, civilization has existed for more than 3000 years. According to the legends, the city was founded by Kadmos 2.400 years ago. Ohrid presents a true archaeological treasury. There are many archaeological sites from the Neolithic period in this region.
The oldest recorded mention of the city Lichnydos – the ancient name of Ohrid, occurs in connection with Philip 2nd of Macedonia (353 BC). Later on, in 879 CE, it was renamed Ohrid. The name probably derives from the phrase “Oh-rid” – meaning roughly, “Oh, what a cliff!” It comes from the time when the town was limited to a small area on the lake side of the hill, which in fact is a huge cliff rising above the lake shore.

The name Ohrid first appeared in 879. Between 990 and 1015, Ohrid was the capital and stronghold of Samoil’s medieval Macedonian state. From 990 to 1018 Ohrid was also the seat of the Ohrid Patriarchate.

The most interesting fact about Ohrid is that there are 365 churches – one for each day in the year. The fact that Ohrid had been an object of desire for many kings and archbishops, speaks for itself, challenging the curious ones to visit it nowadays. The beautiful architecture in the old part of the city, with its narrow city streets creates a sense of unique harmony and beauty. Its beauty and virtuosity attracts the attention not only of tourists but of many experts as well. One special cultural monument in Ohrid is the old Bazaar with old shops rich with crafts products – filigrees, pearls, coppers, pipes etc.

Ohrid’s major attractions are all located within a remarkably concentrated and eminent walking area, among and above the narrow streets of the Old Town lined with restaurants and cafés perfectly suited for relaxing in the cool summer evenings. Ohrid’s many café bars and nightclubs also make for a vibrant nightlife.
With its unique flora and fauna the lake is one of the largest biological reserves in Europe. The earliest scientific studies, undertaken in the course of the 19th century, showed that, as one of the oldest lakes in the world, it has preserved primeval life forms which no longer exist in other places or only exist as fossils.

The uniqueness of Lake Ohrid and the city’s historical architecture has been attested by UNESCO, honoring it with an official designation as one of the few places on the cultural institution’s list “World Heritage”.

General Terms and Conditions

Groups from all over the world can take part in this festival.

Folk dance groups, modern dance groups, choirs, but also majorette teams and brass bands and orchestras are welcome to apply.

The number of participants and followers is not limited.

There is no age limit (beside youth and children participants, older or veterans also may participate)

It is necessary to prepare minimum one program with the duration of 12 – 15 minutes per program.

Each group should bring the national flag of the country that they represent.

It is also necessary to visibly display panel on which the name of your group and the name of your country is inscribed.

On request, a professional tourist guide can be hired to accompany the group on their excursions, but the travel guide expenses will be covered by the group.

It is recommended that groups should bring about 12 – 15 small gifts for exchange.

Participants can perform with orchestras (recommended) or with recorded music (on CD or USB).

In order to participate in this festival, every group needs to fill in an application form. When applying, if possible, please provide some photos, videos or brief history of the group. These materials will be used for promotional and advertising purposes (in advertisements, fliers and posters).

After receiving the application form and completion of advance payment, the organizer will send an official letter of invitation for participation at the Festival.

The rest of the payment should be completed immediately after the group arrives in order to take part at the festival.

Festival Organizers Provide

Accommodation in hotels and apartments, and meals according to the price selected

2 double rooms per group with no supplement to be paid (one for the leaders of the group and another for the drivers of the bus). The rest of the rooms are with 3 and 4 beds.

Free parking for the bus

On request, each group will have a person available to accompany them on their excursions and to inform them about details regarding the festival.

On request, a professional guide can be hired to accompany the group on their excursions, but the travel guide expenses will be covered by the group

Cruising with boat on Ohrid Lake and visiting the Museum on water and most famous tourist resort St.Naum – culture place, visiting the water sources of the Ohrid Lake, St. Naum monastery, little islands at the very place with restaurants; swimming at the beach. The price for the cruising with boat is 8 Euros per person) (if FB, lunch package provided by the hotel)

Parade through the city

Festival evening (performance of the participants, certificate for the participants by the organizers, and at the very end of the festival participants can exchange gifts and contacts with each other)